Dose control vehicle inspection

Abstract

A method for inspecting at least one vehicle with an inspection system, the inspection system and the at least one vehicle configured to move relative to each other during inspection of at least one component of the vehicle, the method comprising: controlling, by a controller, an inspection dose of inspection radiation generated by a radiation source such that the inspection dose remains substantially equal to a predetermined inspection dose during inspection of the at least one component of the vehicle by the inspection radiation, wherein controlling the inspection dose comprises: the controller obtaining information representative of a speed of relative movement of the system and the vehicle during inspection of the at least one component of the vehicle; and the controller controlling the radiation source based on the obtained information.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This patent application claims priority to GB application No. 2004327.9, filed on March 25, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as part of this application. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to, but is not limited to, methods and systems for inspecting vehicles, including, for example, a compartment configured to be occupied by at least one person, an engine, and cargo. Background Technology

[0004] Inspection systems use radiation that passes through a vehicle to inspect its cargo, such as to detect concealed objects like weapons, hazardous materials, explosives, drugs, and general contraband. Inspection systems can be placed at boundaries and entrances to sensitive facilities. X-rays are commonly used for inspection because they penetrate vehicles and allow for the non-invasive viewing of contraband hidden inside cars.

[0005] Strict regulations limit the doses that people in a vehicle (such as drivers and passengers) can be exposed to.

[0006] In the "Scan" inspection mode, the vehicle's driver and passengers typically slow the vehicle to avoid radiation exposure, and the inspection system (e.g., a gantry comprising an X-ray source and detectors) moves relative to the vehicle to inspect it. Scan mode has a relatively small total vehicle inspection throughput (approximately 20 or 25 vehicles per hour), and the inspection systems are relatively expensive because they must be configured to be mobile. In the "Car Wash" inspection mode, the X-ray source and detectors are stationary, and the vehicle is translated. Car Wash mode also has a relatively small total vehicle inspection throughput. Both Scan and Car Wash modes are incompatible with well-defined boundary crossings.

[0007] Higher throughput (e.g., 100 to 200 vehicles per hour) can be achieved in "through" inspection mode, where the driver can remain in the vehicle and drive it through an entrance equipped with an X-ray source and detectors. In some examples, radiation emission only begins after the compartment has passed through the inspection area, but the compartment has not yet been inspected, preventing the detection of hidden objects within it. In some examples, the driver and any passengers are exposed to radiation doses as they drive through the entrance and inspect the compartment. The radiation doses exposed to the driver and passengers should not exceed the maximum doses permitted by radiation regulations. The radiation source can be configured to have the maximum permissible radiation dose for a given rated inspection driving speed of the vehicle through the entrance. However, the driver may not drive at the nominal inspection driving speed. Driving at lower speeds may result in doses exceeding the maximum dose. Driving at higher speeds may result in lower image quality because lower doses may result in dark areas in the corresponding inspection images, where the presence of, for example, contraband may be uncertain.

[0008] The present invention addresses some of the problems described above. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Aspects and embodiments of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. These and other aspects and embodiments of the invention are also described herein.

[0010] The attached diagram shows...

[0011] Embodiments of this disclosure will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 This is a flowchart schematically illustrating an example method for inspecting a vehicle;

[0013] Figure 2 An exemplary inspection system is illustrated schematically;

[0014] Figures 3A to 3C An example schematically illustrates a radiation source including a filter and a controller including an actuator; and

[0015] Figure 4 An example of controlling the inspection dose based on the obtained information is illustrated, wherein the inspection dose varies as the vehicle moves relative to the inspection system.

[0016] In the accompanying drawings, the same elements are represented by the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Overview

[0018] This invention relates to a method for inspecting at least one vehicle using an inspection system. To enable inspection using scanning movement, the inspection system and the vehicle can move relative to each other during inspection. The vehicle is inspected using inspection radiation with an inspection dose. The inspection dose is controlled such that it remains substantially equal to a predetermined inspection dose. Controlling the inspection dose includes obtaining information representing the speed of relative movement between the system and the vehicle during inspection. Controlling the inspection dose also includes controlling the radiation source that generates the inspection radiation based on the obtained information.

[0019] In embodiments of this disclosure, for example, when inspecting a human-occupied area of ​​a vehicle, such as the vehicle's cabin, and the driver is driving at a speed below the nominal inspection driving speed, the radiation source is controlled based on information indicating the vehicle's speed, and the dose is maintained substantially equal to a predetermined dose, which is preferably equal to or slightly below the maximum dose (e.g., a prescribed dose) allowed for passenger exposure in a single scan by regulations. These regulations limit the permissible doses that people are exposed to. The dose received by a person is obtained by multiplying the inspection dose rate (i.e., the dose per unit time, e.g., mSv / hour) by the time the person is exposed to radiation. By reducing the inspection dose rate as the exposure time increases (e.g., because the driving speed is less than the nominal inspection driving speed), the inspection does not result in the driver and passengers being exposed to doses exceeding the maximum inspection dose.

[0020] In embodiments of this disclosure, for example, when inspecting an occupied area of ​​a vehicle (e.g., the vehicle's cab) and the driver is driving at a speed higher than the nominal inspection driving speed, the radiation source is controlled based on information indicating the vehicle's speed, and the dose is maintained substantially equal to a predetermined dose, which is preferably equal to or slightly lower than the maximum permissible dose. When the exposure time is reduced (e.g., because the driving speed is higher than the nominal inspection driving speed), the inspection dose rate can be increased; however, the dose still remains equal to or slightly lower than the maximum permissible dose.

[0021] In embodiments of this disclosure, regardless of the inspection speed, the inspection produces image quality similar to that produced when inspecting a vehicle at a rated inspection speed.

[0022] The above examples relate to the inspection of vehicle portions including human-occupied areas of the vehicle. Other predetermined inspection doses may correspond to other components of the vehicle, such as components including the engine or components including trailers or luggage compartments configured to carry cargo. The embodiments of this disclosure for these other components of the vehicle (e.g., the engine or trailer) enhance image quality because the dose can be increased for unoccupied portions of the vehicle (the dose is not limited to human-permissible doses).

[0023] Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

[0024] Figure 1 This is a flowchart schematically illustrating an example method 100 for inspecting a vehicle.

[0025] Figure 1 The method 100 shown mainly includes, in S1, controlling the inspection dose of inspection radiation generated by the radiation source by a controller, such that during at least a portion of the inspection of the vehicle by the inspection radiation, the inspection dose remains substantially equal to a predetermined inspection dose.

[0026] exist Figure 1 In S1, the main components include:

[0027] In S11, the controller obtains information indicating the speed of relative movement between the inspection system and the vehicle during the inspection of at least one component of the vehicle; and

[0028] In S12, the controller controls the radiation source based on the acquired information.

[0029] In embodiments of this disclosure, during inspections where the vehicle and its driver are driving at a speed below the nominal inspection driving speed, the radiation source is controlled based on information indicating the vehicle's speed, and the dose is maintained substantially equal to a predetermined dose, preferably equal to or slightly below a maximum dose (e.g., a specified dose). The inspection does not result in exposure (e.g., to people in the vehicle) to doses exceeding the maximum inspection dose. In embodiments of this disclosure, during inspections where the vehicle and its driver are driving at a speed above the nominal inspection driving speed, the radiation source is controlled based on information indicating the vehicle's speed, and the dose is maintained substantially equal to a predetermined dose, preferably equal to or slightly below a maximum dose. This inspection results in image quality similar to that when inspecting a vehicle at the nominal inspection driving speed.

[0030] Figure 2 An exemplary inspection system 1 is schematically shown. As a non-limiting example, the inspection system 1 is configured to inspect at least one vehicle 2, which may include at least one of a car, truck, or train.

[0031] During inspection, inspection system 1 and at least one vehicle 2 move relative to each other, as indicated by arrow (OX). In relative movement (OX), system 1 may be stationary relative to the ground, and vehicle 2 may move relative to the ground (i.e., through mode). Alternatively, in relative movement (OX), vehicle 2 may be stationary relative to the ground, while system 1 may move relative to the ground (e.g., a test bench).

[0032] The inspection may be to inspect at least one component 20 of vehicle 2. In some examples, at least one component 20 of vehicle 2 may include a personnel-occupied area 201 (e.g., compartment 201) configured to be occupied by at least one person (e.g., the driver of vehicle 2 and / or a passenger of vehicle 2).

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, the inspection system 1 includes a radiation source 11 configured to generate inspection radiation 12. The radiation source 11 may include a pulsed source or a continuous source (such as an X-ray tube as a non-limiting example).

[0034] The inspection system 1 also includes a detector 13, which is configured to detect the transmitted inspection radiation 12 after the vehicle 2 has been irradiated.

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, radiation source 11 can be configured to be powered by power supply 14, and radiation source 11 is connected to the power supply.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, sensor 16 is configured to generate information representing the speed of relative movement (OX) between system 1 and vehicle 2 during inspection of at least one component 20 of vehicle 2. Sensor 16 can be any type of sensor, and by way of non-limiting example, it may include at least one of the following: a Doppler sensor, radar, lidar, or a camera. Sensor 16 may also use image information.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, the inspection system 1 also includes a controller 15, which is configured to obtain, for example, information representing the speed of the relative movement (OX) between the system 1 and the vehicle 2 from the sensor 16. The controller 15 is also configured to control the radiation source 11 based on the obtained information. In some examples, the controller 15 may be configured to control the radiation source 11 via an interface (e.g., an Ethernet interface).

[0038] In one example, radiation source 11 can be configured to generate inspection radiation 12 with a current intensity I. Radiation source 11 can be an X-ray radiation source (such as an X-ray source or an X-ray source including a linear accelerator or an electron induction accelerator). In this case, the current is an electron flow, and electrons strike the target (at intensity I) to produce X-ray radiation 12. Alternatively or additionally, radiation source 11 can be a neutron radiation source. In this case, the current is at least one of a proton current or a deuterium current, and particles (protons or deuterons) strike the target at intensity I to produce neutron radiation 12.

[0039] In this case, such as Figure 1 As shown, controlling the radiation source 11 in S12 may include controlling the current intensity I based on the obtained information. When the current intensity I of the target in the impact source 11 increases, the number of X-rays generated by the radiation source 11 also increases, and the dose irradiated by the vehicle 2 increases linearly.

[0040] In this case, the predetermined examination dose D0 can be associated with the nominal current intensity I0 and the nominal examination speed V0 of the relative movement (OX).

[0041] During the inspection, the inspection dose D received by vehicle 2 varies with the relative movement (OX) speed V. For example, when the relative movement speed V (OX) is lower than the nominal inspection speed V0, the inspection dose D received by vehicle 2 is greater than the predetermined inspection dose D0. Similarly, when the relative movement speed V (OX) is greater than the nominal inspection speed V0, the inspection dose D received by vehicle 2 is lower than the predetermined inspection dose D0.

[0042] In some examples, the predetermined inspection dose D0 corresponds to the inspection dose D of a personnel-occupied area (e.g., a compartment). 0person It should be understood that personnel occupying the area for inspection dose D 0person The dose is below or substantially equal to a prescribed dose that is safe for at least one person occupying area 201 during inspection of area 201. Personnel (e.g., drivers or passengers) may therefore be exposed to the personnel-occupied area inspection dose D. 0person However, the personnel-occupied area inspection dose D 0person This allows inspections to be performed by means of inspection radiation 12 irradiating area 201. In some examples corresponding to the ANSI N43.17 standard, the specified dose corresponds to a dose substantially equal to 250 nSv per inspection. Other standards, specified doses, and personnel-occupied area inspection doses are also conceivable. Figure 4 An example is shown in the figure.

[0043] In this example, controller 15 controls the current intensity I of radiation source 11 in S12 based on the obtained information representing the relative velocity V, such that:

[0044]

[0045] Therefore, through this control of intensity I, during the inspection of the personnel-occupied area 201 of vehicle 2 by inspection radiation 12, the inspection dose of inspection radiation 12 remains substantially equal to the predetermined inspection dose D. 0person .

[0046] Method 100 can be executed by controller 15 in real time or near real time.

[0047] Alternatively or additionally, in some examples, at least one component 20 of vehicle 2 may include an engine 202 configured to cause movement of vehicle 2. Engine 202 is more concentrated than the personnel-occupied area 201 and is not configured to be occupied by personnel. A predetermined inspection dose D0 may therefore correspond to an engine inspection dose D0engine, which enables inspection by irradiating the engine with inspection radiation. It should be understood that:

[0048] D 0engine >>D 0person

[0049] Similar to the control performed by controller 15 during the inspection of the personnel-occupied area 201, during the inspection of the engine 202 of vehicle 2, controller 15 can control the intensity I of radiation source 11 in S12 such that the inspection dose rate of inspection radiation 12 remains substantially equal to the predetermined inspection dose rate D. 0engine . Figure 4 An example is shown in the figure.

[0050] Alternatively or additionally, in some examples, at least one component 20 of vehicle 2 may include at least one of a trailer 203 or a luggage compartment 203 configured to carry cargo. The trailer 203 or luggage compartment 203 is more densely packed than the personnel-occupied area 201 and is generally not configured to be occupied by personnel. The predetermined inspection dose D0 can therefore correspond to the cargo inspection dose D. 0cargo This enables the inspection of trailer 203 and / or luggage compartment 203 by inspecting for radiation. Figure 4 An example is shown in the figure.

[0051] Similar to the control performed by controller 15 during the inspection of personnel occupying area 201 and / or engine 202, during the inspection of trailer 203 and / or luggage compartment 203 of vehicle 2, controller 15 can control the intensity I of radiation source 11 in S12 such that the inspection dose of inspection radiation 12 remains substantially equal to the predetermined inspection dose D. 0cargo .

[0052] As a non-restrictive example, regarding goods D 0cargo Or for engine D 0engine A typical dose can be a few μSv per scan.

[0053] In the above development, controller 15 is configured to control the current intensity of radiation source 11. As already stated, radiation source 11 may include pulse source 11, which is configured to generate inspection radiation 12 at frequency f.

[0054] In this scenario, controlling the radiation source 11 in S12 may include controlling the frequency f of the radiation source based on the obtained information. In some examples, the controller 15 may be configured to instruct the radiation source 11 to adjust the frequency f. As the frequency f increases, the amount of X-rays produced by the radiation source 11 also increases, and the dose irradiated to the vehicle 2 increases linearly.

[0055] In this case, the predetermined examination dose D0(D 0engine and / or D 0cargo and / or D 0persondIt is associated with the nominal radiation source frequency f0 and the nominal inspection speed V0 of the relative movement (OX).

[0056] In this example, controller 15 controls the frequency f of radiation source 11 in S12 based on the obtained information representing the velocity V of relative movement, such that:

[0057]

[0058] Therefore, through this frequency f control, during the inspection of component 20 of vehicle 2 by inspection radiation 12, the inspection dose of inspection radiation 12 remains substantially equal to the predetermined inspection dose D0(D 0engine and / or D 0cargo and / or D 0persond (Depending on component 20 of vehicle 2).

[0059] In the above development, the controller 15 is configured to control the current intensity and / or frequency of the radiation source 11.

[0060] In some examples, radiation source 11 is configured to generate inspection radiation 12 with radiation energy E. As energy E increases, the energy of the X-rays generated by radiation source 11 also increases, and the dose irradiated to vehicle 2 increases.

[0061] In this example, controller 15 controls the radiation source to generate radiant energy E for inspection radiation at S12.

[0062] Given that the predetermined examination dose D0 is associated with the nominal radiation energy E0 of the relative movement (OX) and the nominal examination velocity V0, at S12 the radiation energy E is controlled based on the obtained information representing the velocity V of the relative movement, such that:

[0063]

[0064] Where F is a function configured to maintain a dose approximately equal to D0.

[0065] In this scenario, the penetration of radiation 12 will change because penetration strongly depends on the radiation energy. Other performance metrics will also change.

[0066] In some examples, controlling the energy E includes controlling the voltage applied to electrons and / or particles (e.g., protons or deuterons) in the radiation source 11. As the voltage increases, the electrons and / or particles (e.g., protons or deuterons) have increased energy, which is converted into higher energy in the radiation source 11.

[0067] In the above development, radiation source 11 is configured to be powered by power source 14. Alternatively or additionally, radiation source 11 is a radioactive source (e.g., including isotope sources).

[0068] Alternatively or additionally, a method of adjusting the dose based on the obtained information representing the velocity is to use a filter.

[0069] like Figure 3A , 3B As shown in 3C, in some embodiments, radiation source 11 may include a filter 150 configured to interact with the inspected radiation, and controller 15 may include an actuator 151 of filter 150.

[0070] In this example, in S12, controlling the radiation source includes controlling at least one of the thickness and material of the filter based on the obtained information. In some examples, the filter may include at least one absorbing material having at least one thickness, and the position of the filter relative to the radiation is controlled by a controller to control the position of at least one absorbing material having a corresponding at least one thickness, such that the inspection dose remains substantially equal to the predetermined inspection dose during inspection of at least one component of the vehicle.

[0071] like Figure 3A As shown, in some embodiments, the radiation source 11 may include a filter comprising N plates 150, for example having similar or different thicknesses and / or similar or different materials, and the controller 15 may include N independent actuators 151 configured to introduce one or more plates 150 into the radiation beam and / or remove one or more plates from the radiation beam.

[0072] according to Figure 3A Example implementations can work as follows.

[0073] The total thickness T of all plates 150 is such that the dose at the lowest relative velocity is just below the specified dose. As the relative velocity increases, some plates 150 can be removed to increase the output dose rate to a point that substantially maintains the target dose without exceeding the specified dose. In some examples, all plates 150 of the filter can be removed when scanning cargo.

[0074] Alternative or additional, such as Figure 3B As shown, in some embodiments, radiation source 11 may include a filter comprising a plurality of steps 150, and controller 15 may include an actuator 151 configured to generate different displacements of the filter relative to the radiation beam.

[0075] exist Figure 3B In the example, there are four steps 150 corresponding to the four thicknesses of the filter, but other numbers of steps can be imagined.

[0076] according to Figure 3B Example implementations can work as follows.

[0077] A specific step size 150 (i.e., the thickness of the filter) that interacts with the radiation beam can be selected based on the relative speed (e.g., from 2 km / h to 8 km / h).

[0078] The thinnest step 150 may have a thickness corresponding to the highest dose rate, which is set to not exceed 240 nSv / scan at 6 km / h. For trucks moving in the speed range of 6 km / h to 8 km / h, the thinnest step may be selected, which may result in a target dose of 180 nSv / scan at 8 km / h. When the truck decelerates to 6 km / h, the target dose increases linearly to 240 nSv / scan.

[0079] The second filter step 150 may have a thickness corresponding to a dose rate not exceeding 240 nSv / scan at a speed of 4 km / h, and may be selected for speeds from 4 km / h to 5.99 km / h. This can result in an object dose of 160 nSv / scan at 5.99 km / h, which linearly increases to 240 nSv / scan as the truck slows down to 4 km / h.

[0080] The third filter step 150 may have a thickness corresponding to a dose rate configured to not exceed 240 nSv / scan at a speed of 3 km / h, selectable for speeds from 3 km / h to 3.99 km / h. This results in a target dose of 180 nSv / scan at 3.99 km / h, which linearly increases to 240 nSv / scan as the truck slows down to 3 km / h.

[0081] The thickest filter step 150 may have a thickness corresponding to a dose rate configured to not exceed 240 nSv / scan at a speed of 2 km / h, and can be selected for speeds from 2 km / h to 2.99 km / h. This results in a target dose of 160 nSv / scan at 2.99 km / h, which linearly increases to 240 nSv / scan as the truck decelerates to 2 km / h.

[0082] In examples where the radiation source is a pulse, actuator 151 can be configured to shift a filter between radiation pulses. These embodiments are best suited for pulsed sources.

[0083] To maintain a more constant dose with increasing rate, additional steps can be used.

[0084] Alternative or additional land, such as Figure 3C As shown, in some embodiments, radiation source 11 may include triangular block 150, and controller 15 may include actuator 151 configured to generate different displacements relative to the radiation beam, such that the thickness of the filter can be continuously adjusted with speed.

[0085] This embodiment is best suited for continuous sources with small focal points.

[0086] In any aspect of this disclosure, the method may also include configuring an inspection radiation collimator to illuminate an inspection beam of the vehicle.

[0087] The controller 15 is configured to perform methods of any aspect of this disclosure. The controller 15 may include a processor and memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, enable the processor to perform methods of any aspect of this disclosure.

[0088] This disclosure also relates to a computer program product or a computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, enable the processor to perform any aspect of the methods of this disclosure.

[0089] It should be understood that the performance metrics of the inspection system (including penetration, spatial resolution, line detection, contrast, material identification, etc.) are related to the inspection dose.

Claims

1. A method for inspecting at least one vehicle using an inspection system, the inspection system and the at least one vehicle being configured to move relative to each other during the inspection of the vehicle, the vehicle including components including at least one of an engine configured to cause movement of the vehicle, an area configured to be occupied by personnel, and a trailer or luggage compartment configured to carry cargo, the method comprising: The inspection dose of the inspection radiation generated by the radiation source is controlled by a controller, such that during the inspection of each corresponding component of the vehicle by the inspection radiation, the inspection dose remains substantially equal to the predetermined inspection dose. Controlling the examination dosage includes: The controller obtains information representing the speed of relative movement between the system and the vehicle during the inspection of at least one component of the vehicle; and The controller controls the radiation source based on the obtained information to adjust the examination dose, such that: Wherein, when the components of the vehicle being inspected include an area configured to be occupied by personnel, the predetermined inspection dose corresponds to the personnel-occupied area inspection dose, which is lower than or substantially equal to a predetermined dose that is safe for personnel occupying the area during inspection, while enabling inspection to be performed by irradiating the area with the inspection radiation. Wherein, when the components of the vehicle being inspected include an engine, the predetermined inspection dose corresponds to an engine inspection dose capable of inspecting the engine through irradiation by the inspection radiation, and Wherein, when the components of the vehicle being inspected include at least one of a trailer or a luggage compartment, the predetermined inspection dose corresponds to a cargo inspection dose capable of inspecting the trailer and / or the luggage compartment by means of the inspection radiation.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the radiation source is configured to be powered by a power supply and generate inspection radiation having a current intensity I, and Controlling the radiation source includes controlling the current intensity I based on the obtained information.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the predetermined examination dose is associated with the nominal current intensity I0 and the nominal examination speed V0 of the relative movement, and in, The current intensity I is controlled based on the obtained information representing the relative movement speed V, such that: 。 4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the radiation source comprises a pulsed source or a continuous source.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the radiation source is configured to be powered by a power supply and includes a pulse source configured to generate the inspection radiation at a frequency f, and Controlling the radiation source includes controlling the frequency f of the radiation source based on the obtained information.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the predetermined examination dose is associated with the nominal radiation source frequency f0 and the nominal examination velocity V0 of the relative movement, and in, The frequency f is controlled based on the obtained information representing the relative movement speed V, such that: 。 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the radiation source is configured to be powered by a power supply and generate the inspection radiation with radiant energy E, and in, Controlling the radiation source includes controlling the source to generate the radiation energy E of the inspection radiation based on the obtained information.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the predetermined examination dose is associated with the nominal radiation energy E0 and the nominal examination velocity V0 of the relative movement, and in, The radiated energy E is controlled based on the obtained information representing the velocity V of the relative movement, such that: Where F is a function configured to maintain a dose substantially equal to a predetermined check dose.

9. The method according to any one of claims 7-8, wherein the radiation source comprises a pulsed source or a continuous source.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein: The radiation source is an X-ray radiation source, and the current generated by the radiation source is an electron flow, wherein electrons strike the target to generate the X-ray radiation; or The radiation source is a neutron radiation source, and the current is at least one of a proton flow or a deuterium flow, wherein particles collide with a target to produce neutron radiation.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the radiation source is a radioactive source.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the prescribed dose corresponds to a dose substantially equal to 250 nSv per examination.

13. The method of claim 1, further comprising collimating the inspection radiation into an inspection beam, the inspection beam being configured to illuminate the vehicle, and / or in, The radiation source further includes a filter configured to interact with the inspected radiation, and the controller further includes an actuator for the filter, wherein controlling the radiation source includes controlling at least one of the thickness and material of the filter based on the obtained information.

14. The method of claim 1, for inspecting said vehicle, including at least one of a car, truck, or train.

15. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The information is obtained from sensors, which include at least one of the following: a Doppler sensor, radar, lidar, infrared sensor, and camera.

16. The method according to claim 1, wherein the controller executes the method in real time or near real time.

17. An inspection system configured to inspect at least one vehicle, the inspection system and the vehicle being configured to move relative to each other during the inspection of the vehicle, the system comprising: A radiation source configured to generate inspection radiation at an inspection dose, enabling the vehicle to be inspected by the inspection radiation; as well as A controller configured to control the inspection dose of the inspection radiation generated by the radiation source based on information obtained from a sensor, such that during inspection of at least one component of the vehicle by the inspection radiation, the inspection dose remains substantially equal to a predetermined inspection dose, wherein controlling the inspection dose includes controlling the radiation source based on the obtained information, and the sensor is configured to determine information representing the speed of relative movement of the system and the vehicle during the inspection of the vehicle, to adjust the inspection dose such that: Wherein, when the components of the vehicle being inspected include an area configured to be occupied by personnel, the predetermined inspection dose corresponds to the personnel-occupied area inspection dose, which is lower than or substantially equal to a predetermined dose that is safe for personnel occupying the area during inspection, while enabling inspection to be performed by irradiating the area with the inspection radiation. Wherein, when the components of the vehicle being inspected include an engine, the predetermined inspection dose corresponds to an engine inspection dose capable of inspecting the engine through irradiation by the inspection radiation, and Wherein, when the components of the vehicle being inspected include at least one of a trailer or a luggage compartment, the predetermined inspection dose corresponds to a cargo inspection dose capable of inspecting the trailer and / or the luggage compartment by means of the inspection radiation.

18. The inspection system according to claim 17, wherein, The controller is configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 2 to 16.

19. The inspection system of claim 17, wherein the radiation source comprises a pulsed source or a continuous source.

20. The inspection system according to claim 17, wherein, The radiation source is configured to be powered by a power source and includes at least one of the following: an X-ray source, an X-ray source including a linear accelerator or an electron induction accelerator, or a neutron source.

21. The inspection system according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein, The radiation source is a radioactive source and includes isotope sources.

22. A computer program product or computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, enable the processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 16 or to provide an inspection system according to any one of claims 17 to 21.

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